More than 30 of Kristen Milano's family and friends were in court for Eric Morelli's appearance Monday. Her mother, Mary Milano, said that the 10-year sentence "is like a slap in the face to my family."

More than 30 of Kristen Milano's family and friends were in court for Eric Morelli's appearance Monday. Her mother, Mary Milano, said that the 10-year sentence "is like a slap in the face to my family."

Teen gets 10 years in prison for starting blaze that killed Southington woman

NEW BRITAIN — A 19-year-old Southington man who authorities say caused the death of a young woman when he threw a lit firework into her family's apartment last summer pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter Monday, a deal that angered the victim's mother who called it a "slap in the face."

Eric Morelli was originally charged with first-degree manslaughter, third-degree arson and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment in connection with the fire that killed 19-year-old Kristen Milano on June 22, 2014.

"Mr. Morelli's willful actions stole my baby from me and my family," said Mary Milano. "His actions have given my family a life sentence of misery."

After months of discussions with state prosecutors, Morelli pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge as part of a plea agreement that calls for him to serve 10 years in prison followed by five years of probation. At a sentencing hearing in July, Morelli's attorney will have the right to argue for a lesser sentence, down to five years in prison.

More than 30 of Milano's family and friends were in court for Morelli's appearance Monday. Mary Milano said that the 10-year sentence "is like a slap in the face to my family."

Superior Court Judge Arthur Hadden said that while he "would feel exactly the same way" if he were in the Milanos' position, he believes the agreement is "fair and just" based on the facts of the case.

"No sentence will ever equal the loss that the family has suffered," Hadden said. "A life has been lost."

Morelli and his family declined to speak with reporters gathered outside the courthouse Monday.

According to the arrest warrant against him, Morelli had been at a party the night before the fatal fire with Kristen Milano's brother Jason, and the two friends discussed getting together later to "smoke some weed." Hours after the two parted ways, Morelli went to the Milano's Darling Street home and began throwing fireworks at Jason Milano's bedroom window in an attempt to wake him.